Saturday, March 1, 2014

Content or Complacent

Are you content? Yes or no? Before you answer, realize that both answers are right and wrong. It all depends on the definition of contentment.

The apostle Paul stated the following in scripture: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11) and also “Now godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Timothy 6:6).

Does this mean if we are content, we are happy with the status quo and never strive for more? Or does it mean we are thankful? It’s actually a perfect condition where you have all sufficiency independent of external circumstances. I think of it kind of like joy. The joy of the Lord is not dependent on happiness.

Many times in our spiritual lives we look at scriptures such as these and claim to be content, but are we actually complacent? Do we just get by with our Sunday spiritual nourishment? Do we only pray when we have an immediate need? Does a daily devotional book replace personal time in God’s Word? Do we read our Bible and pray out of routine habit without thought, or are we growing spiritually? Are we challenging ourselves?

Paul also stated the following, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

Don’t allow yourself to be satisfied with cursory routines. Press toward the goals God has for you. Be content, but don’t become complacent.

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About Me

I am a wife, mom, grandma, and follower of Christ focused on filling my spiritual jewelry box with treasures from God's Word. It is only in God's Word that we find the strength to get through life's circumstances. I have been a pastor's wife in a marriage with sexual addiction, physical, and emotional abuse. God's Word provided the faith, strength, love, peace, and hope I needed. Hiding His word in your heart is how you can also find these same things.
I invite you to subscribe to my blog. You can also contact me at donna.nabors@verizon.net or visit my website at donnanabors.com.
My first book, Pearls:5 Essentials for a Richer Prayer Life, is available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. My current book project is "Your Spiritual Jewelry Box: Hiding God's Word in Your Heart". It’s all about filling that jewelry box.
I live in Texas. I am married with a daughter, son, stepson and son-in-law. I am also three times blessed as a grandma to two little boys and a granddaughter who is the princess of the family.